SOCIAL REACTION: Peter Mayhew, the actor who played Chewbacca from 'Star Wars,' dies at 74

Abigail Rosenthal, GateHouse Media

Friday

May 3, 2019 at 8:37 AM

Peter Mayhew, the actor who played Chewbacca in the "Star Wars" series died on April 30, 2019, in his Texas home.

Mayhew's family released the statement on Twitter.

The family of Peter Mayhew, with deep love and sadness, regrets to share the news that Peter has passed away. He left us the evening of April 30, 2019 with his family by his side in his North Texas home.pic.twitter.com/YZ5VLyuK0u

— Peter Mayhew (@TheWookieeRoars)May 2, 2019

Mayhew's "Star Wars" co-stars and fans reacted to the news on Twitter, sharing photos and stories of Mayhew over the years.

Harrison Ford on the death of his friend, Chewbacca actor Peter Mayhew:pic.twitter.com/DvVZYICwZ9

— Ryan Parker (@TheRyanParker)May 3, 2019

R.I.P pic.twitter.com/FWRgaOS0Tf

— Joonas Suotamo (@JoonasSuotamo)May 2, 2019

He was the gentlest of giants-A big man with an even bigger heart who never failed to make me smile & a loyal friend who I loved dearly-I'm grateful for the memories we shared & I'm a better man for just having known him. Thanks Pete#RIPPeterMayhew#Heartbroken@TheWookieeRoarspic.twitter.com/8xbq9HEWF2

— Mark Hamill (@HamillHimself)May 2, 2019

Much more than Chewie to me...My heart hurts…I will miss you my dear friend…thanks for the great memories!#RIPPeterMayhew#StarWarspic.twitter.com/0DfCo59zpG

— Billy Dee Williams (@realbdw)May 3, 2019

RIP Peter Mathew He was my first celebrity autograph. So sweet and kind to a very nervous teen. You will be missedpic.twitter.com/lma2yweP6e

— Katie Ladd (@cmladd1579)May 2, 2019

Together again. RIP Peter Mathewpic.twitter.com/phsGpEOtv1

— East L.A. News (@EASTLA_NEWS)May 2, 2019

RIP Peter Mathew. Just know you made me one happy kid in the galaxy growing up.pic.twitter.com/pNQ2tz2ax9